TMJ/TMD Dentistry for Migraines

Northern Virginia Cosmetic Dentistry Serving Alexandria, Arlington, and Surrounding Areas

Neuromuscular dentistry is different from traditional dentistry in that it focuses on the muscle and nerves that move the jaw. When these muscles cannot rest or chew in a normal or correct positioning, they can become tender and sore to the touch. This dysfunction is referred to as temporomandibular (jaw joint) disease (TMJ/TMD), and its symptoms can cause chronic headaches and severe migraines.

Sufferers of TMJ/TMD typically have jaw muscles that over contract, a bite that is not correctly "lined-up", and teeth that look more aged than they are. For example, we might see a 45-year-old who has teeth that are more representative of a normal 60-year-old.

Most patients report that these symptoms are at their most painful in the morning, at the end of the day, or when stress levels are high. At their worst, symptoms can be very severe and destructive. Everyone clenches or grinds their teeth at some point, but some people do it harder and with more frequency than others. The good news is that treatment is often conservative.

Dr. Varipapa's extensive training in TMJ/TMD from the Pankey Institute, The Seattle Institute, LVI, and The Dawson Center has given him the tools to diagnose and treat problems of the neuromuscular system that result in headaches and migraines. In addition, he has trained with top experts in the field including Dr. Gabe Coulon of Bethesda, Maryland, the foremost expert in myotronics, electromyography (electrical muscle activity), and joint sonography (Sound, Doppler), which is unique to Neuromuscular dentistry.

Dr. Varipapa understands the correlation between a misaligned bite with excessive tooth wear, headaches, loss of sleep, loosening of teeth, periodontal or gum problems, stiffness or soreness in the neck, shoulders, back, tension in muscles and soreness in teeth. Using this knowledge, he can locate the specific cause of the tension and treat it effectively to relieve you of all these symptoms. He has even cured patients suffering from extreme sleep loss who were addicted Advil, Motrin, Alleve and stronger prescription medications.

To find out more, please read our TMJ FAQs.

neuromuscular TMJ/TMD patients from Washington, DC and Northern Virginia are invited to contact our Alexandria, VA advanced dentistry office today for a consultation. We can effectively relieve you
of all the symptoms of this painful disorder.